Introduction to Ecosystems

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Define an ecosystem
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms in conjunction with the non- living components of their environment
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Name key ecosystem concepts
Interactions between biotic and non- biotic components
Nutrient cycles and energy flows
Feedback loops and cycles
Homeostasis/ tipping points
Dynamic equilibrium
Food chains, food webs, trophic cascades
Keystone species
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How big is an ecosystem?
Ecosystems rarely have clear boundaries; are open systems. Gaia is arguably the only truly closed system
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How do we study ecosystems?
Empirical experimentation on whole ecosystems e.g. watershed monitoring
Empirical studies on components of ecosystems e.g. population monitoring
conceptual modelling of ecosystems - identifying structure and function
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What is an example of a complex system dynamics model?
The 'Club of Rome' world model. Is the first attempt to model a virtual world. It modelled human- biological- resource- pollution system as a system of equations
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What is the Gaia hypothesis?
Developed by Lovelock and Margulis in 70s
Based on ecosystem thinking
Shows Earth as a self- regulating system
Contains feedback loops
Modification of abiotic environment by biotic factors
Human modification of ecosystems may lead to an alteration in the
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What is homeostasis?
The tendency of a system to return to some particular state
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Give a simple example of homeostasis
A room with a thermostat controlling the central heating
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Give a complex example of homeostasis
Daisy World
Ecosystems may have many feedback loops. Some are positive, others are negative
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Card 2

Front

Name key ecosystem concepts

Back

Interactions between biotic and non- biotic components
Nutrient cycles and energy flows
Feedback loops and cycles
Homeostasis/ tipping points
Dynamic equilibrium
Food chains, food webs, trophic cascades
Keystone species

Card 3

Front

How big is an ecosystem?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

How do we study ecosystems?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What is an example of a complex system dynamics model?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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